AGP Executive Report

One Health in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and neighbors wrapped online national consultations (June 8–12) to finalize a regional “One Health” package for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health ahead of a June 25 council meeting. Healthcare Policy: President Tokayev signed amendments affecting teachers’ rights, education, healthcare, and child rights protection, with related changes also made to the Administrative Offenses Code. Infectious Disease Monitoring: Shymkent reported 475 tick-bite cases, highlighting ongoing public health vigilance against vector-borne risks. Cancer Care Reform: Uzbekistan plans to overhaul oncology services from 2027, pushing earlier detection and expanding palliative support beyond major centers. Maternal Health Infrastructure: Shymkent is building a new 200-bed perinatal center and a 150-bed rehabilitation center, while also integrating AI into healthcare and education. Food Safety & Trade: Russia imposed a broad ban on many imports from Armenia (including seeds, produce, and goods used in pharma/perfumery), with Kazakhstan named as a potential transit route affected by the restrictions.

One Health in Central Asia: Regional consultations for the “One Health in Central Asia” program wrapped up online (June 8–12), aligning Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on pandemic prevention, food systems resilience and ecosystem health ahead of the June 25 council meeting. Public Health & Safety: Shymkent recorded 475 tick-bite cases from January to May 2026, with no Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases; authorities expanded spring tick-control disinfection and plan treatments across farms, parks and squares. Healthcare Policy: Kazakhstan’s president signed laws amending acts on the status of teachers, education, healthcare and child rights protection, plus changes to the Administrative Offenses Code related to teachers. Maternal/Child Care Infrastructure: Shymkent’s GRP rose 11% to KZT 5.7 trillion, and the city is building a new 200-bed perinatal center and a 150-bed rehabilitation center, while pushing AI into healthcare and education. Medical Supply Oversight: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health plans to strengthen control over dispensing antibacterial drugs. Health & Wellness Community: Kazakhstan’s UN-designated volunteer year has already mobilized 200,000 participants in 2026 through environmental, cultural and community projects.

One Health in Central Asia: Central Asian countries wrapped up online national consultations (June 8–12) to finalize a regional “One Health” package aimed at pandemic prevention, food-system resilience, and ecosystem health, ahead of a June 25 regional council meeting. Public Health Infrastructure: Kazakhstan is also moving to strengthen healthcare capacity and safety, including plans tied to new perinatal and rehabilitation services in Shymkent and broader health-sector modernization. Infectious Disease Monitoring: Shymkent recorded 475 tick-bite medical visits from January to May 2026, with no Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases reported, as authorities expand tick-control treatments across farms and public areas. Cancer Care Reform (Regional): Uzbekistan announced cancer-care reforms starting in 2027, targeting earlier detection and expanded palliative support outside major cities. Food & Safety (Regional): Russia imposed restrictions on many Armenian food and plant imports, citing pest detections and traceability concerns. Health Policy (Kazakhstan): President Tokayev signed amendments affecting teachers’ rights, education, healthcare, and child rights protections, alongside administrative changes for teachers.

Teacher & healthcare protections: President Tokayev signed laws amending acts on teachers’ status, including changes tied to education and healthcare, plus updates to the Administrative Offenses Code. Public health & safety: Shymkent recorded 475 tick-bite medical visits from Jan–May 2026; authorities report no Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases and continue spring disinfection and animal treatment. Maternal health infrastructure: Shymkent’s GRP rose 11% to KZT 5.7 trillion as the city pushes major projects, including a new 200-bed perinatal center and a 150-bed rehabilitation center, with AI planned for healthcare and utilities. Regional oncology reform: Uzbekistan plans to overhaul cancer care from 2027, aiming for earlier detection, expanded palliative support, and higher screening coverage. One Health coordination: Central Asia’s One Health Program set up a regional secretariat to coordinate work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Health system debate: Kazakhstan saw a surge in one-time pension withdrawals in May ahead of new minimum thresholds, reigniting discussion about how the pension system balances access and long-term retirement security. Medical innovation pipeline: Kazakhstan is set to launch a gelatin and bioactive bone matrix plant as part of broader regional development plans that include healthcare and social infrastructure.

Ministry of Health Update: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health says it has recorded a sharp decline in infant mortality, signaling progress in maternal and child healthcare. Antibiotic Stewardship: The ministry will strengthen control over the dispensing of antibacterial drugs, aiming to curb misuse and improve treatment safety. Tick-Bite Monitoring: In Shymkent, 475 people sought medical help for tick bites from January to May 2026; authorities report no Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases and continue spring disinfection and animal treatments. One Health Coordination: Central Asia’s One Health Program set up a regional secretariat to coordinate work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Healthcare Access Abroad: A report highlights why some Kazakhstanis with cancer still seek treatment abroad, pointing to gaps in local care and patient confidence. Sports Medicine Gap: Kyrgyzstan lacks its own anti-doping lab, so samples are sent to Kazakhstan for testing. Public Health Safety: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advises citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to security concerns, while also monitoring potential health risks abroad.

Tick-bite surge in Shymkent: Kazakhstan recorded 475 tick bite cases seeking medical help between January and May 2026, with no Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases reported; authorities say most bites happened during outdoor recreation or livestock work and continue spring disinfection plus animal treatments. One Health coordination: A new Regional Secretariat under the One Health for Pandemic Prevention, Food Systems Resilience, and Ecosystem Health program was set up to coordinate zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety work across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Healthcare policy move: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health plans to strengthen control over the dispensing of antibacterial drugs. New medical industry project: Kazakhstan is set to launch a gelatin and bioactive bone matrix plant, alongside other regional agro- and livestock investments. Public health capacity gap in sport: Kyrgyzstan lacks an anti-doping lab, so samples are sent to Kazakhstan; officials discussed a draft law on strengthening anti-doping mechanisms. Food safety and trade risk: Russia announced a sweeping ban on many imports from Armenia, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, and some goods used in pharma/perfumery, citing pest detections; it also plans to block transit via Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Maternal and child emergency: In Aktobe, two 11-year-old schoolgirls found a newborn wrapped in bin bags under a tree and alerted police and an ambulance, with the baby rushed to hospital.

Antimicrobial Resistance Crackdown: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health says it will tighten control over dispensing antibacterial drugs under a roadmap running to 2027, citing uncontrolled antibiotic use, illegal circulation, and easy access without prescriptions (including online) that fuels self-medication and resistance. One Health Coordination: A new Regional Secretariat for the One Health program on pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health has been set up to coordinate Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety, including training and a regional information portal. Healthcare Workforce Milestone (Regional): USMF in Moldova will hold an oath-taking ceremony for 2026 doctors and pharmacists, with Kazakhstan among the participating countries—highlighting ongoing regional medical education links. Public Health & Quality of Life: Kazakhstan was ranked the top CIS country for people considering moving abroad in an Immigration Index 2026, with healthcare access and safety among the key factors. Health Supply Chain Risk: An NGO investigation reports conflict coltan smuggled from eastern DR Congo via Rwanda into global supply chains, with processing linked to China and Kazakhstan—raising concerns for responsible sourcing in electronics supply chains.

Antibiotic Crackdown: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health says it will tighten control over dispensing antibacterial drugs under its 2027 antimicrobial resistance roadmap, citing widespread overuse, illegal circulation, and easy access without prescriptions—online included—pushing self-medication and resistance. Public Health Progress: Kazakhstan reports a sharp decline in infant mortality, with officials pointing to improving outcomes across maternal and child care. Medical Workforce Ceremony: Moldova’s USMF “Nicolae Testemițanu” plans an oath-taking ceremony for 2026 doctors and pharmacists, including graduates from Kazakhstan among foreign specialists—highlighting regional training links. Pharma Expansion: China’s Guangzhou Pharma expands in Central Asia via partnerships tied to drug registration, localized production, and supply chains, including work with Kazakhstan’s Kolon Pharma on anti-tumor ingredients. Healthcare & Tourism Link: Kazakhstan’s tourism push also spotlights medical tourism—80,000 foreign patients in 2025 and a 2026–2028 roadmap with the health ministry—alongside broader visa and entry reforms for visitors. Quality & Safety Signals: A major nursing regulator milestone in Albania joins the International Council of Nurses, underscoring the growing push for stronger licensing and professional standards across the region.

Antibiotic Stewardship: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health says it will tighten control over dispensing antibacterial drugs under its 2027 antimicrobial resistance roadmap, citing easy access without prescriptions (including online) and a gap versus WHO targets for antibiotic use. Infant Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, with more funding for pediatric care, a unified child health monitoring model up to age 17, and “First 1001 Days” support plus screening and early intervention centers. Migration & Care Access: Kazakhstan ranks top in the CIS on an Immigration Index 2026, with safety, healthcare access, education, and housing affordability driving the result. Digital Health & Services: Kazakhstan’s broader push for mobile public services includes electronic sick leave and faster document access, reflecting a regional shift toward everyday online healthcare administration. Medical Tourism Growth: Kazakhstan’s tourism and healthcare overlap is rising: authorities cite 80,000 foreign patients in 2025 and a 2026–2028 roadmap for medical tourism, alongside JCI-accredited hospitals. Public Health Policy Context: EU reporting on sanctions-related logistics notes medicines can move, but transport rules and workaround schemes remain a concern for cross-border healthcare supply chains.

Antimicrobial Resistance Watch: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health says it will tighten control over dispensing antibacterial drugs after concerns about uncontrolled antibiotic use, including sales without prescriptions and online availability, which is driving self-medication and resistance. Infant Health Gains: The health ministry reports infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, supported by “Children of Kazakhstan” (2026–2030), higher pediatric funding, unified child health monitoring up to age 17, and the “First 1001 Days” early support program. Cancer Care Pressure: A report highlights rising cancer incidence in Kazakhstan (about 30,000 new cases yearly) and notes growing demand for treatment abroad, with social-media fundraising for overseas care becoming common. Medical Tourism Push: Kazakhstan says tourism generated over $1.3B in tax revenue in 2025 (+18%), and it’s also building a medical tourism roadmap (2026–2028), citing 80,000 foreign patients and JCI-accredited hospitals. Digital Health & Services: Kazakhstan’s broader move to mobile public services is extending into healthcare, including electronic sick leave, as the region shifts from queues to apps. Pharma Expansion: Guangzhou Pharma is expanding in Central Asia via partnerships tied to localized production, drug registration, logistics, and cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Samruk-Kazyna. Regional Health Governance: Central Asia’s water-land management program (FAO/GEF) is advancing regional cooperation affecting health through water and food systems for about 60 million people.

Child Health Push: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare says infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, citing the “Children of Kazakhstan” 2026–2030 concept and Bastau-2030 plan, with pediatric funding rising from T264bn to T585bn and a unified child health monitoring model from perinatal care to age 17. Early Intervention Expansion: The ministry highlights the “First 1001 Days” project, patronage services, expanded screening, breastfeeding support, and the creation of 386+ early intervention and child development centers plus 81 pediatric rehabilitation centers. Cancer Care Abroad Debate: A separate report looks at why Kazakhstanis with cancer still seek treatment abroad, pointing to rising urban cancer incidence (about 239 per 100,000 in 2024) and uneven regional burden. Medical Fraud Crackdown: Kazakhstan-linked foreign medical graduate certificate scams are also in the spotlight, with reports from India’s Rajasthan police about arrests tied to forged FMG screening documents. Free Health Check: A free mega health check-up camp is planned in Astana on June 13 with BP, blood sugar, ECG/echo screening and specialist consultations.

Cancer Care Abroad Debate: Kazakhstanis increasingly seek treatment outside the country, as local cancer incidence rises and families turn to social-media fundraising for overseas care. Public Health Numbers: Maternal mortality is reported to have dropped by 43%, while infant mortality in Kazakhstan fell 7.5-fold and diabetes incidence decreased. Cancer Burden Updates: Almaty reports nearly 2,000 new cancer cases since January 2026, and the wider system faces uneven regional cancer loads. Medical Training Fraud: Rajasthan police arrested three Kazakhstan-trained doctors in a fake FMG certificate scam worth Rs 74 lakh, after failed screening attempts and forged documents used for internships and registration. Livestock Health Boost: Kazakhstan gained Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status across its livestock sector, expected to strengthen export access. Free Check-up Camp: A free mega health check-up in Astana is set for June 13 with BP, blood sugar, ECG/echo screening and specialist consultations. Healthcare Education Links: FNU and the GX Foundation signed an MoU to support public health training, workshops and joint research.

Medical Tech & Diagnostics: Foxwell will bring its NT680 Plus, i50TS, i70II and i80II diagnostic solutions to Automechanika Astana 2026 (June 10–12) at EXPO Astana, aiming to expand workshop and fleet partnerships across Central Asia. Public Health Training: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to boost public health and youth development through workshops, training, seminars and joint research. Healthcare Research: Scientists at Cambridge and DIOSynVax reported early Phase 1 results for an AI-designed “universal” coronavirus vaccine, testing safety in 39 volunteers and targeting shared features across related coronaviruses. Health & Policy (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Russia’s Kurchatov Institute agreed to cooperate on nuclear medicine, reactor technologies, fusion research and training, with a focus on peaceful nuclear use. Local Health Data: Almaty reported nearly 2,000 new cancer cases since January 2026, highlighting growing demand for oncology services. Health Systems (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan saw maternal mortality drop by 43% and infant mortality decrease by 7.5-fold, according to recent coverage.

Public Health Training Boost: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health knowledge exchange, workshops, training and joint research, targeting skills for tackling vector-borne diseases and disaster preparedness. Nuclear Medicine & Research Links: Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Russia’s Kurchatov Institute agreed at SPIEF 2026 to cooperate on fusion, reactor tech and nuclear medicine, plus joint projects and specialist training. Cancer & Diabetes Signals: Kazakhstan reported progress on diabetes incidence and maternal mortality, while Almaty noted nearly 2,000 new cancer cases since January 2026—an ongoing reminder to strengthen screening and care pathways. One Health Focus: A Central Asia-relevant review highlighted hantavirus readiness under the One Health approach, pointing to existing reservoirs and expanding spread in Kazakhstan. Healthcare Innovation: Scientists tested an AI-designed “universal” coronavirus vaccine in a Phase 1 trial, reporting safety in 39 volunteers and aiming for broader protection across related coronaviruses. Health Workforce & Systems: Kazakhstan’s health spending includes child care support, and the country continues expanding schools and infrastructure that feed into long-term health outcomes.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports major progress in maternal and child care, with maternal mortality down sixfold since independence and another 35% over the past five years, plus early pregnancy registration for over 90% of women and free primary screenings under the Analar Saulygy program. Infant & Child Care: Infant mortality has fallen 7.5 times since independence, and child healthcare funding has more than doubled, with about 25% of healthcare spending now directed to child health. Primary Care Access: The One-Day Clinic model lets expectant mothers complete key exams in one visit, supported by a multi-level network of women’s consultations, perinatal centers, and children’s hospitals. Health Infrastructure Push: Kazakhstan says it has built over 1,250 healthcare facilities in seven years and continues expanding early intervention and rehabilitation services. Public Health Training Link: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to boost public health training through workshops, research, and knowledge exchange. Nuclear Medicine Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Russia’s Kurchatov Institute agreed to collaborate on fusion research, reactor tech, and nuclear medicine, including joint training and digitalization. One Health Focus: A new One Health discussion highlights Central Asia’s readiness for zoonotic threats like hantavirus and the need for cross-sector action.

Maternal Health Gains: Kazakhstan reports major progress in maternal and child health, with maternal mortality down sharply since independence and further declines in recent years, plus wider early pregnancy registration and free primary-care screenings. Child Health Funding: The country says spending for children’s medical care has more than doubled, with a large share of healthcare budgets now directed to child health. Digital Prevention Push: The One-Day Clinic model and fetal medicine services are highlighted as ways to speed up care and detect risks earlier. One Health Preparedness: Central Asian health, agriculture and environment ministries, with WHO/FAO/WOAH and the World Bank, reviewed progress on a One Health pandemic preparedness project for the Pandemic Fund. AI in Healthcare: Healthy4U expands an AI preventive health platform to Kazakhstan via partnerships with local institutions and talks with government stakeholders. Food & Nutrition Safety: Uzbekistan removed several Chinese-made children’s toys after lab tests flagged safety and chemical concerns, including formaldehyde levels above limits. Regional Health Tech Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Russia sign a memorandum to cooperate on nuclear medicine and reactor technologies, including training and joint research. Public Health Context: Commentary also spotlights Kazakhstan’s long-running male mortality and alcohol-related risks, pointing to behavior and environment as key drivers.